How to Get Rid of Bed Bug–Infested Furniture in Portland
If you’ve discovered bed bugs in your couch, mattress, or other furniture, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the first Portlander to panic. Before you drag infested furniture to the curb or call a junk removal service, it’s important to understand how to handle it properly. Not only can bed bugs spread, but some disposal methods are actually illegal if the infestation isn’t contained.
At Junk It Junk Removal, we’ve dealt with a lot of extreme furniture removal situations—including items crawling with bed bugs. Here’s what you need to know before tossing that infested furniture.
Step 1: Confirm It’s Actually Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects that hide in seams, cracks, and crevices. Signs you’re dealing with them:
Small blood stains on upholstery or mattress seams
Rust-colored spots (bed bug droppings)
Shed exoskeletons
A musty, sweet odor
Itchy red bites in a line or cluster on your skin
Not sure if it’s bed bugs or fleas? Bed bugs don’t jump—they crawl. That’s one way to tell.
Step 2: Don’t Drag Infested Furniture Through Your Home
One of the biggest mistakes we see is people carrying bed bug–infested furniture through their home unwrapped—spreading bugs as they go. Don’t do that.
Instead:
Wrap the furniture in heavy plastic sheeting or contractor trash bags
Use duct tape to seal all edges tightly
Move it directly outside without placing it on beds, floors, or rugs
Live in an apartment or shared housing? Be extra cautious not to spread bugs into common hallways or stairwells.
Step 3: Know the Rules in Portland
You cannot legally dump infested furniture on the curb or near dumpsters in the Portland metro area. That’s considered illegal dumping and can get you fined.
According to Metro, Portland’s regional waste authority:
Items with bed bugs must be sealed in plastic
They should be clearly labeled (e.g., “BED BUGS – DO NOT OPEN”)
Take items to a location that accepts infested waste, like the Metro Central Transfer Station
But be warned: Not all disposal sites will accept bed bug–infested furniture even when wrapped. Call ahead.
Step 4: Use a Junk Removal Company That Accepts Bed Bug Furniture
Not every junk hauler in Portland is equipped (or willing) to handle bed bug–infested furniture. At Junk It Junk Removal, we do accept these items—but only under the following conditions:
You must inform us ahead of time so we can properly prepare
The item must be sealed in plastic before our crew arrives
The home must have already been professionally treated or fumigated
We take this seriously. If the home hasn’t been treated yet, we’ll help reschedule the pickup for a safer time. This helps protect our trucks, team, and every customer we serve after you.
Need help finding an exterminator? We can recommend trusted local professionals who treat bed bugs.
Step 5: Clean Up the Surrounding Area
ossing the couch doesn’t always solve the infestation. Bed bugs are masters at hiding in:
Carpet edges
Wall baseboards
Power outlets
Bed frames and nightstands
After your furniture is gone:
Vacuum floors and furniture thoroughly with a HEPA vacuum
Dispose of vacuum bags or canister contents immediately
Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and high heat drying
Seal wall cracks and baseboard gaps with caulk
Consider a follow-up treatment by a pest control company if you see lingering signs.
Getting rid of furniture with bed bugs doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you’re in the Portland metro area, Junk It Junk Removal is here to help. We’ll handle your bed bug furniture removal safely, legally, and without judgment—we’ve seen it all.
For fast and professional furniture removal in Portland, call us or book online today.
We’re the local team that shows up, wraps up, and hauls it out—bugs and all.
